According to an ESPN story by Jeremy Fowler, the Baltimore Ravens would look like an NFC Pro Bowl team from, say, 2017.
Reporting from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Fowler offered a somber update to fans of the Ravens’ Odell Beckham Jr. jersey while also implying that a similarly decorated, if not more experienced, replacement might be on the way.
“Michael Thomas becomes a free agent as his contract with the New Orleans Saints is due to expire. Baltimore was recommended by a few scouts as a good fit “exclaimed Fowler. “The Ravens likely won’t re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., and they value established veterans at the receiver position.”
To Fowler’s point, Baltimore has used a flurry of first-round picks on receivers in recent years but three of their five leading receivers (Beckham, Mark Andrews, and Nelson Agholor) were all at least 28 years old. Baltimore will likely continue to seek a mix of old and new as it seeks to land an elusive championship in the extending Lamar Jackson era.
Like Beckham before him, Thomas could struggle to find lasting work despite an otherwise impressive professional resume thanks to a myriad of medical woes. The 448 yards that Thomas, a career-long Saint since entering the league as the Big Easy’s second-round pick in 2016., earned last season was his best since leading the league four years prior, as a knee injury limited him to seven games.
He was able to suit up for three games in 2021 and 2022 combined due to ankle and foot problems, respectively. The former condition prevented him from playing the entire season.
After taking 2022 off after his Super Bowl campaign with the Los Angeles Rams, Beckham had a respectable season (35 receptions, 565 yards in 14 appearances) with Baltimore serving as a respectable relaunching pad. Even though he was effective, his one-season $15 million contract was hardly justified.
Thomas may wind up becoming another veteran diamond in the rough that the Ravens assist in rehabilitating, given how precarious Baltimore’s cap situation is.
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